Rare earths: the invisible backbone of modern life

Few terms have gained as much attention in recent years as “rare earths.” These 17 chemical elements—including scandium, yttrium, and the lanthanides—are essential to modern technology and have become a focal point of global competition.

Despite their name, rare earths are not truly rare. Some, like cerium, are more abundant than copper. The challenge lies in their dispersion and the complexity of extracting and processing them, which makes them costly and strategically valuable.

Rare earths are critical for powerful magnets, electric vehicle motors, hard drives, screens, batteries, and lasers. They are also vital to military technologies, from advanced missile systems to submarines. Beyond defense, they play a key role in renewable energy and the global transition away from fossil fuels. As demand grows, so does the geopolitical tension surrounding their control. At the same time, innovation is pushing toward cleaner extraction methods and greener technologies, aiming to reduce environmental damage while supporting the energy transition.